I visited Ballarat Mechanics Institute last week with a view to joining. The women in the library were so helpful about joining and also told me a lot about some of the events that the Institute runs. It seemed like nothing was too much trouble. They answered all of my questions and sent me away with a wad of information about the Institute.

The Institute offers a library, history resources, book groups, venue/room bookings and probably more than I know about. The library has desk top computers that can be booked for patron use and Wifi service. MI is a very peaceful venue. I love our public libraries in Ballarat, but they are becoming increasingly noisy and crowded.

The books in the library have been well used. The collection can probably do with some new stock. (One way that this can happen is if the community get behind the Institute and join.) Having said this, there is still a wide variety of fiction and quite a few DVDs for loan. The heritage collection looks extremely interesting.

There are regular events that can be viewed on the Institute website - particularly, concerts and talks that are offered for a reasonable fee.

For $45 for a year's membership, I think it is worth supporting this organisation, especially if one is interested in learning, history and reading.

The building is a stunning heritage structure. It is well worth visiting and just looking around, if you are interested in local architecture.

Approximate cost: $45/per annum